State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley is confident in the protocols for spread mitigation as schools begin to re-open. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

LSU’s D-D Breaux announces she’s retiring after 43 years as head coach of the Tigers gymnastics program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says classes begin this week for seven different school systems. Brumley says many schools are using a hybrid model, a split between virtual and in-person learning. Brumley says they’ve allocated over 300-million dollars in federal money to improve virtual instruction

Cut 3 (10)  “…for teachers”  

Brumley says the state is working with experts across the nation on establishing best practices in various areas pertaining to virtual instruction.

Cut 4 (10)_ “of vetting that.”

Brumley says the guidance from the state level does leave room for local autonomy in how a school system handles its mix of virtual and in-person instruction.

Cut 5 (10)  “…decide to use.”

______________________

Legendary coach D-D Breaux announced today she’s retiring after 43 years as the leader of LSU women’s gymnastics program. Co-head coach Jay Clark will take over. The 67-year-old Breaux admits the past year has been difficult with the death of her mother and then the coronavirus pandemic

Cut 6 (10) “…we’re in”

Breaux is leaving on top as the Tigers are three-time defending SEC champions and fans have been packing the PMAC to watch their meets. The Donaldsonville native says after building the gymnastics program into a national powerhouse, she can now spend more time with her four grandchildren…

Cut 7 (10) “…right time’”  (2x)

Breaux is not completely leaving LSU as she’s been named as an ambassador for LSU, so she plans to be involved in a lot of different community service projects…

Cut 8 (10) “do that”

____________________________________________

State Treasurer John Schroder estimates about 10,000 small businesses have completed an application for Main Street Recovery grants, but they’re running into some issues and misconceptions from applicants.

He says some haven’t filed annual reports with the Secretary of State, many others haven’t filed their taxes, and…

Cut 9 (08) “…bookkeeping.”

Those who qualify can receive up to 15,000 dollars in no-strings-attached cash. Applicants must have fewer than 50 employees to be eligible.

Schroder says about 65 percent of applicants are using their smartphone to sign up. The problem is…

Cut 10 (08) “…application”

Schroder says they’ll need about 30,000 businesses to complete the application process before the fund is exhausted.

The Treasurer says there’s also been misunderstanding about who can apply. One, you can apply if you received federal aid and two, the program is not just for minorities.

Cut 11 (04) “…everybody.”

Schroder says about 70 percent of applicants are classified as minorities. The state widely publicized that 40 million of the 275 million dollar fund was to be set aside for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.

___________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announces Louisiana will remain in phase two for another three weeks until August 28th as he plans to officially extend the state’s coronavirus restrictions on Thursday. Edwards says this means the mask mandate and bar closure order will stay in place

Cut 12 (10) “…for ourselves.” 

Edwards says the White House coronavirus task force recommends that the state keeps its mitigation measures in place. But he says there is encouraging news, the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital is on the decline

Cut 13 (11) “…seven days” 

There are currently 1,487 COVID-19 patients in the hospital statewide. Edwards says there are also fewer people showing up at ER’s reporting COVID-like symptoms. Edwards says we can continue to reduce the transmission of the virus, but it will take everyone doing their part

Cut 14 (12) “…as well.”

Later this month first film/TV project since the pandemic began is set to begin production in Louisiana under a set of new industry guidelines. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Tulane wraps up animal model trials for a promising COVID-19 drug that is showing strong results as a preventative treatment. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says federal legislation currently in discussion could allow states to determine how to pay extended unemployment benefits funded by the feds. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

The state sets guidelines for movie and TV crews to begin filming again after all production shut down at the start of the pandemic.

Louisiana Entertainment Director Chris Stelly says the health guidelines are pretty similar to other jobs. Wear a mask, social distance while on set, limit access to the studio, and…

Cut 4 (11)_ “…reset”

Performers will not be required to wear masks.

Stelly says 14 projects were in motion in Louisiana before the pandemic. Not all of them may return.

Cut 5 (08)  “…go forward”

The guidelines were influenced by national recommendations from a range of media institutions and film worker unions.

One project is set to begin in Louisiana sometime in late August/early September under these guidelines. Stelly says more will come because the public is starved for content.

Cut 6 (12) “…communities”

______________________________

Louisiana Lottery’s flagship game, Lotto, has been upgraded to see starting jackpots of a half-million dollars.  The change marks only the fourth time the game has been altered in its 28-year history.  Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the changes are being done to spur more excitement with players.

Cut 7 (10) “…throughout the year.”

The first drawing with the new format is Wednesday night.  Annison says the game matrix has changed from the previous version where players were picking 6 out of 40 balls with a 30% chance of winning a prize.

Cut 8 (10) “…of a change.”

Anniston says while everyone wants to win the bigger jackpot, the changes in the game still leave plenty of excitement in the chance at winning one of the smaller prize amounts.

Cut 9 (07) “…be at $50.”

_____________________________

Tulane researchers say an antibody treatment has shown signs in animal trials that it can be effective at preventing coronavirus from multiplying once it infects you. Tulane Internal Medicine Chair Dr. Jay Kolls says lab mice that received a protein called  MDR 504 were far less likely to see the virus replicate once infected.

Cut 10 (11) “…percent.”

Some animal toxicology studies will need to be completed before they can move to human trials.

Kolls says the treatment could be fantastic for frontline workers like nurses who are regularly exposed to the virus. The only downside is right now it’s not cheap.

Cut 11 (09) “…thing”

Patients must return to receive the treatment several times a month.

Now that there’s firm evidence of the effectiveness of MDR 504, when could the public expect to see it available for general consumption?

Cut 12 (09) “…thing”

Kolls adds the treatment could be highly effective for patients who cannot receive traditional vaccines due to a medical condition.

________________________

Federal lawmakers are working on legislation to extend the extra unemployment benefits funded by the feds to those out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator John Kennedy says the legislation would give states a choice as to how to go about paying the benefits.

Cut 13 (12) “…your prior wages.” 

The amount of time the benefits would be provided is up for debate, but Kennedy says the extra money could continue through the end of October.

Kennedy expects every Democrat to vote against the bill.

Cut 14 (06) “…to oppose it..”

Kennedy expects the legislation to be voted on and to pass at some point this week, but it will also face opposition from some Republicans.

Cut 15 (12) “…than to work.” 

A request for a restraining order against the Governor’s statewide closure of bars has been rejected by federal judges. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Ochsner Health has been selected to participate in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

Federal judges in New Orleans and Lafayette have rejected requests from bar owners for a restraining order against the Governor’s bar closure order. Those owners are suing the state over the issue.

Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says there’s a good legal reason why the requests were rejected.

Cut 3 (10)  “…injunction”  

The Governor’s order restricts bars from serving customers on-premise but does allow for customers to buy to-go drinks. To-go drinks have been banned in New Orleans.

The New Orleans case will be heard on the 14^th and the Lafayette case will be heard on the 17^th. Ciolino says this decision is a blow to those filing the suits.

Cut 4 (07)_ “denied this”

Ciolino does not expect the plaintiffs to have much success going forward.

Cut 5 (11)  “…deferential”

______________________

The Saints begin strength and conditioning work today after none of their players tested positive for COVID-19 testing during extensive testing last week. Quarterback Drew Brees is ready to begin his 15th season with the Black and Gold…

Cut 6 (09) “…good at”

During training camp, Saints players, coaches, team doctors, and other personnel will stay at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans to mitigate the risk of infection.

Brees says part of his preparation for the upcoming season included breaking the habit of licking his fingers, which he would do repeatedly throughout the game

Cut 7 (12) “…of the habit’”

Brees also says he’ll continue to stand for the national anthem to honor those who have served and died for our country. But he will respect the decision of his teammates who chose to kneel after saying in June that he would never approve of anyone who takes a knee during the anthem

Cut 8 (12) “continue to undue”

Brees faced a mountain of criticism for his kneeling during the anthem comments in June. He quickly apologized and the 41-year-old says he now understands the anthem protests were not about disrespecting the flag.

____________________________________________

Ochsner Health is one of 120 sites worldwide chosen to participate in phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine study with drugmaker Pfizer.  Ochsner Principal Investigator Dr. Julia Garcia-Diaz says the selection comes as a result of its expertise and history in conducting clinical trials.

Cut 9 (09) “…of that endeavor.”

All participants accepted into the study will be randomized to receive either the vaccine or a placebo in the form of two shots, with a 50/50 distribution between the two.  Neither the patients nor the investigators will know what they have received.

Garcia-Diaz says another factor that brought the study to Louisiana is its status as a COVID-19 hotspot.

Cut 10 (10) “…of the vaccine.”

Globally, the study aims to enroll up to 30,000 participants.  Ochsner will enroll a limited number of randomized participants selected from an existing pool of candidates who have previously expressed interest in COVID-19 research.

Garcia-Diaz says an exact timeline is unclear, but don’t expect the vaccine to be available anytime soon.

Cut 11 (11) “…and social distance.”

___________________________

The State Fire Marshal’s Office found nearly 700 businesses were not in compliance with COVID spread mitigation measures in July.  Fire Marshal Butch Browning says that only accounts for a small share of the businesses they visited.

Cut 12 (09) “…we were there.” 

The most common shortcomings included face mask violations, table spacing, large gatherings, exceeded capacities, and self-serve buffet dining.

Browning says the 10 percent mark is indicative of how seriously businesses are taking spread mitigation efforts when compared to standard safety checks.

Cut 13 (08) “…that weren’t right” 

Browning says when they do find a violation, most of the businesses are willing to work with the state to correct it…

Cut 14 (10) “…that we make.”

The Louisiana Department of Health has revoked the food permit for Firehouse BBQ in Livingston Parish as the Denham Springs restaurant reviews to enforce the state’s mask mandate. Firehouse BBQ posted on its Facebook page that remains open, despite the state’s effort to shut them down.

Former Klan leader and state lawmaker David Duke is banned from Twitter. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron looks forward to playing a ten-game SEC schedule this season. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________

Governor Edwards tells Louisiana residents not to expect major changes with the Phase Two coronavirus guidelines as he expects to extend the mask mandate and bar closure order next week. The current order expires next Friday and Edwards it will likely be extended for another two weeks

Cut 3 (11)  “…current data”  

Edwards has been encouraged that the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has declined over the week, but he points to Louisiana ranking number one for per capital cases. The governor says the mask mandate is part of the new normal

Cut 4 (11)_ “loved ones”

Edwards has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers over the restrictions that have been put on businesses during this pandemic. But Edwards says he’s following the guidance from the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force

Cut 5 (12)  “…need to do”

______________________

Twitter has banned the account of former KKK leader and state lawmaker David Duke for violating the platform’s rules on hate speech.  The site has recently banned tens of thousands of extremist accounts, and Tyler Bridges, Author of The Rise and Fall of David Duke, says it was inevitable Duke would get hit as well.

Cut 6 (08) “…mainstream.”

The official release from Twitter about the ban says Duke “has been permanently suspended for repeated violations of the Twitter rules on hateful conduct.”

Bridges says Duke frequently posted comments about Jews.

Cut 7 (08) “…issues’”

Duke was already banned from Youtube and Bridges says…

Cut 8 (12) “twitter”

Duke famously ran for Governor against Edwin Edwards in 1991, and last ran for office in 2016, getting 58,000 votes in a campaign for the Senate seat that was won by John Kennedy.

____________________________________________

LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron is excited about the SEC moving from a normal 12-game regular-season schedule to a ten-game format with conference-only opponents. Orgeron says he’s still waiting on an exact schedule, but the shakeup does not take the wind out of his sails.

Cut 9 (11) “…gonna be ready.”

The season will kick off September 26 instead of September 5th and Orgeron anticipates that the two additional conference opponents will come from the SEC East, but the team will be ready.

Cut 10 (11) “…three extra weeks.”

Orgeron says the team has a great testing system in place with a great protocol and believes the team feels very safe with the virus spread mitigation efforts in place, adding that whatever comes, the team will be ready.

Cut 11 (05) “…adapt and adjust.”

___________________________

A Franklin Parish traffic stop leads to the discovery of a dead body in the trunk of a bullet-riddled car.

Court records show a trooper pulled a suspect over for speeding, saw bullet holes in the driver’s side door, and smelled pot coming out of the car. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt…

Cut 12 (07) “…car.” 

That traffic stop led to the arrest of 18-year-old Michael Mitchell Jr. who claims he and 19-year-old Cameron Powe were robbing the victim, Michael Robinson, when Powe shot Robinson and put the body in Mitchell’s trunk. Powe was arrested later that night.

Reichardt applauded the arresting trooper.

Cut 13 (11) “…street” 

But says the trooper was a little shook up by the incident.

Cut 14 (12) “…going”

Beginning Saturday any physician in good standing with the state can recommend medical cannabis. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards responds to the federal class-action lawsuit filed against him by several bar owners in the Acadiana region. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Congressional Republicans and Democrats are at an impasse in discussions over the next round of coronavirus relief. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

______________________________

Beginning Saturday access to medical marijuana will increase dramatically in Louisiana. Legislation passed this year that allows physicians to prescribe without having to obtain a special license. LSU medical marijuana licensee Wellcana CEO John Davis…

Cut 4 (12)_ “…medical condition”

Davis says as, with other medications prescribed in the state, marijuana dispensaries have access to the state’s prescription program to reduce abuse.

Cut 5 (10)  “…monitoring program”

Between August and December, just under 45-hundred patients with less than 200 doctors participated in the state’s cannabis program. But Davis says they are already seeing positive results from the use of medical marijuana.

Cut 6 (12) “…side effects”

Medical cannabis is not currently covered by health insurance, but Davis says Republican Representative Larry Bagley has stated he is working on legislation to change that.

_________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards responds to the federal class-action lawsuit filed against him by several bar owners in the Acadiana region concerning his emergency order banning on-premise alcohol consumption.  Edwards says they have a right to their day in court, but believes his actions are the right thing to do.

Cut 7 (10) “…is absolutely essential.”

The state health department has traced 464 confirmed coronavirus infections to 41 bars.  Edwards says bar closures were a necessity in spread mitigation and have the support of the federal government.

Cut 8 (10) “…number of people.”

Bar owners feel they have been unfairly singled out, but Edwards says data from all over the world further validates the decision.

Cut 9 (12) “…of those unfortunately.”

Edwards banned on premise consumption at bars earlier this month after a spike in cases following their reopening.

______________________

Beginning tomorrow, state law will allow for year around nighttime hunting of feral hogs on private property.  Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland authored the measure and hopes the move helps reduce the hog population after the problematic swine began to adapt to previous regulations.

Cut 10 (09) “…group of them.”

A hunter would need a basic hunting license and as well as permission from the landowner.  McFarland says the bill would also extend to other damaging species such as armadillos, nutria, beavers, and coyotes.

Cut 11 (09) “…really strange times.”

Hunters would be required to contact the parish sheriff’s office within 24 hours prior to the attempted nighttime take.  McFarland says feral hogs will eat anything and have negative impacts on farmland as well as other wildlife, but adds this measure may help reduce auto insurance rates.

Cut 12 (09) “…up car insurance.”

____________________________

Congressional negotiations are underway over the fifth round of coronavirus relief, with Democrats and Republicans presenting widely different opening offers.

Democrats want to see the expiring 600 dollar a week federal unemployment benefit extended through the year. Republicans balked at that, and Senator John Kennedy explains why…

Cut 13 (13) “…extended.” 

Kennedy backs some form of extension that would guarantee unemployment payments are lower than a person’s pay at their previous job.

Democrats back the expansive three trillion dollar HEROES Act while Republicans want the slimmer, trillion-dollar HEELS Act. Kennedy says both proposals feature a lot of “spending porn”.

Cut 14 (13) “…capital.”

Kennedy notes the Congress has sent roughly 23 billion dollars to Louisiana since the pandemic began.

Democrats want negotiations on one omnibus bill that covers a range of topics, Republicans feel there’s a better chance of negotiating each issue as its own legislation. Kennedy backs that plan…

Cut 15 (08) “…something.” 

Republicans are pushing to pass an unemployment benefits extension and stimulus check bill by itself, but Democrats say they fear that would lose them leverage in discussion over funding for voting and school safety initiatives.

_____________________________________________________

The SEC joins other major conferences in agreeing to only play conference football games this season, with the ten-game season kickoff set for September 26^th.

Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the decision makes sense from a scheduling and healthcare perspective.

Cut 16 (15) “health-wise” 

The SEC Championship Game will be held on December 19^th in Atlanta.

A revised schedule will be announced at a later date, and Higgins says the start date works well.

Cut 17  (15) “…sense” 

The SEC conference schedule usually holds eight games, and how the newly added two conference games will be handled is a big question.

Plans in the pandemic era have been hard to keep month to month and Higgins says this may be the idea now, but it’s tough to say where we will be in late September.

Cut 18  (11) “…plays out”   

LSU’s home and home series with Texas is being disrupted as a result, and the team will not play Nicholls for their instate small school game as planned either.

___________________

Bar owners have filed a federal lawsuit in an effort to get a federal judge to block Governor Edwards’s order that limits bars to takeout and delivery orders. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Protestors caravanned in cars around Senator Bill Cassidy’s Baton Rouge office demanding the Senator back an extension of the expiring 600-dollar a week federal unemployment payments. Matt Doyle was there…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_____________________________

Several bar owners in Acadiana have filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Governor Edwards over his emergency order that bans onsite consumption at bars. Attorney Jimmy Faircloth is representing the plaintiffs and he says bar owners have been signaled out

Cut 3 (06)  “…to why”  

A spokesperson for Edwards says the governor has taken both legal and necessary action to protect the health of Louisiana residents by prohibiting on-premise consumption at bars. The state health department has traced 464 confirmed coronavirus infections to 41 bars.

Faircloth points out that’s a small fraction of the total known cases in Louisiana…

Cut 4 (08)_ “there’s not”

Faircloth is asking a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the governor’s bar order closure. Motions have been filed in both the Western and Eastern districts of Louisiana’s federal court system.

He says several of these bar owners met with the governor to find out why casinos are allowed to remain open, but a small bar owner can’t have ten patrons inside their establishment

Cut 5 (10)  “…for you”

______________________

A handful of protesters rallied outside Senator Bill Cassidy’s Baton Rouge office demanding that the federal government continues to pay unemployed individiduals 600-dollars a week.

Republicans say the weekly unemployment benefits should be cut to 200 dollars a week. Power Coalition organizer Kaitlyn Joshua says the payments are badly needed by many

Cut 6 (06) “…suffering.”

Cassidy has said there needs to be a greater focus on moving unemployed people into available jobs. Augustine, an unemployed worker, says he can not find a job that pays the rent.

Cut 7 (06) “…do that’”

The Democrat-backed HEROES Act would extend the 600 dollar payments through the year, but a House Democratic leader recently said the caucus is not “600 dollars or bust”.

This is the last week for the 600-dollar weekly unemployment benefit. Joshua says with thousands still unemployed, the program must continue

Cut 8 (10) “Louisiana”

___________________________________________

State Police is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that happened last night in Lake Charles. Trooper Derek Senegal says Lake Charles police officers responded to an alleged carjacking and when officers located the vehicle, a pursuit ensued and ended when the suspect crashed into a house

Cut 9 (07) “…suspect.”

Senegal says the suspect has been identified as 37-year-old William Joseph Latour the Third…

Cut 10 (05) “…were injured.”

Senegal says the investigation is ongoing, but they know the suspect was armed…

Cut 11 (06) “…of the firearm.”

___________________________

For the third day in a row, the state reports under 2,000 new COVID cases, and the number of COVID patients declined for a third consecutive day. At his coronavirus briefing, Governor Edwards said this is a positive sign.

Cut 12 (08) “…trend.” 

It’s been over two weeks since the Governor ordered bars statewide to close and required mask usage while inside businesses.

Unfortunately, while hospitalizations are down deaths have seen a big increase in recent days. Edwards says that’s due to our spike in cases over the past few weeks.

Cut 13 (09) “…so forth” 

42 additional deaths were reported today.

Edwards warned that despite this positive trend downward every parish still has an R0 (R-naught) above one.

Cut 14 (10) “…grow”

The high school graduation rate saw a slight decline from 2018 to 2019, but Louisiana schools did graduate a new record number of students. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________

Minden Senator Robert Mills is asking Governor Edwards to allow clergy to enter health care facilities to support the mental health of patients. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Governor Edwards addressed the pandemic’s impact on the state’s incarcerated population in his most recent coronavirus press conference. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

The state graduation rate declined from 81.4 percent for the class of 2018 to 80.1 percent for the class of 2019.

New Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says it’s a disappointing development after years of gains in the graduation rate.

Cut 4 (08)_ “…direction”

Louisiana high schools did graduate a record 42,650 students for the class of 2019.

In some good news, the number of students graduating with college credit or industry credentials went up ten percent. Brumley says further increasing that number will be a focus during his tenure.

Cut 5 (11)  “…this state”

Just over half of all students in the 2019 class graduated with college credits or credentials.

Brumley says it’s too early to determine whether the pandemic will result in an even lower graduation rate, that being said…

Cut 6 (11) “…do that”

_________________________

A Minden Senator is asking the Edwards administration to allow clergy members into healthcare facilities to tend to sick and/or dying patients.

The current public health emergency bars family from entry, but Robert Mills says clergy should be considered mental health support personnel.

Cut 7 (10) “…community.”

This would include nursing homes, hospitals, and adult residential facilities.

Mills says it’s not just a quality of life issue, but a quality of death issue for those with little time left.

Cut 8 (06) “…hospital.”

A recent lawsuit in Maryland was resolved in favor of allowing clergy to enter healthcare facilities to see patients.

Mills says Governor Edwards could make this happen with a simple executive order, but…

Cut 9 (11) “…out.”

Capital observes estimate that another session will be held sometime in October to reevaluate state revenue.

______________________

Business Facilities Magazine ranks Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program as the top workforce development program in the nation for the eleventh consecutive year.  Executive Director of the FastStart program Paul Helton, says there is no secret to the success, they just produce results.

Cut 10 (12) “…delivers on that.”

The magazine also ranks Louisiana number one for best industrial electricity rates, New Orleans number one among logistics leaders, and the Port of South Louisiana number one for imports.

Helton says the program incentivizes business development in the state by providing workforce training, recruitment, and selection services for companies.

Cut 11 (12) “…things like that.”

Helton also credits for the program’s use of innovative methods of training for the high marks.

Cut 12 (09) “…for our clients.”

____________________________

Governor Edwards addressed concerns about COVID-19 among the state’s incarcerated population during his most recent coronavirus press conference.  Edwards says another corrections officer recently died from the virus.

Cut 13 (09) “…worker at Angola.” 

As of Tuesday, Edwards says two inmates are currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

Cut 14 (07) “…who have died.”

Edwards says coronavirus testing is being done with both staff and inmates at all facilities.

Cut 15 (11) “…our parish jails.” 

_____________________________________________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s preparing his team for the season to start on time with the season opener in Tiger Stadium versus U-T-S-A on September 5th. Orgeron says if the schedule changes, they will not blink…

Cut 16 (11) “…pasture” 

Orgeron made the comments during a Facebook Live Interview with the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. The SEC is expected to make an announcement soon on what the upcoming college football season might look like. Orgeron says when the players returned to campus in June they had a cluster of coronavirus cases

Cut 17  (16) “…the country” 

_______________________________________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton says he would not be surprised if there are NFL games suspended this season because of a coronavirus outbreak. Each team has to follow social distancing guidelines at their facilities and players could also be fined if they do something that puts themselves in jeopardy of getting infected. But Payton says that’s probably not enough to prevent an outbreak

Cut 18  (19) “…this year”   

The players will need to test negative for COVID-19 three times in a four-day period. If they do, they will undergo a physical this weekend. Even though there was no offseason conditioning program, Payton expects the players will be in great shape

cut 19 (24) “…liviliehood”  

Next week will be a lot of weight training and conditioning. Starting August 12th the entire team can get on the field for practice, but padded practices do no start August 17th. Payton says they can’t allow the protocols that are in place to be an excuse for not getting ready to play

cut 20 (30) “  of the season”  

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the recent slowing case growth is making him confident that fall football will be played. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation to provide funding for states to replenish their unemployment insurance trust funds. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

_____________________________

The Louisiana Department of Agricultural says since Friday its office has received about 300 calls from people who say they received a mysterious package of seeds. The seeds have a mailing address from either China, United Arab Emirates, or Uzbekistan. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says this could be brushing scam

Cut 3 (10)  “…seeds”  

Strain says the packages have arrived in mailboxes across the country…

Cut 4 (09)_ “its seeds”

Strain says if you receive the seeds call the state department of agriculture’s office and do not take them out of the bag or throw them away and most importantly do not plant them…

Cut 5 (07)  “…our crop”

______________________

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is optimistic that football and Mardi Gras will not have to be canceled due to the pandemic, and is celebrating yet another record weekend for state parks.

Nungesser says the recent slowing in new cases is likely due to the mask mandate and closing of bars, and if this keeps up he expects football to be a go for the fall and Mardi Gras to be back next year.

Cut 6 (06) “…months.”

He also added he is meeting soon with the Sugar Bowl Committee and is committed to holding the bowl game in New Orleans at the start of next year.

Nungesser says if the recent trend holds he’s hopeful that the state is set to move to Phase Three in three or four weeks and not impose additional restrictions.

Cut 7 (10) “…we won’t’”

The state has now seen two consecutive days of cases under 2,000 after last week’s numbers averaging clear over 2,000 a day.

After breaking records earlier in the pandemic Nungesser is celebrating the fact that last weekend was the biggest attendance weekend in Louisiana State Park history.

Cut 8 (09) “safely”

Attendance records were first recorded in 2008.

___________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is calling on Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation to consider funding Louisiana’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund in the current proposal for COVID-19 relief legislation.  Edwards says the benefit of the extra help would be widespread.

Cut 9 (12) “…are shored up.”

Edwards says the state’s unemployment was 17^th strongest in the nation before the pandemic took a toll on the fund.

Cut 10 (11) “…the solvency.”

Louisiana law mandates the Louisiana Workforce Commission impose a surtax on businesses up to 30% on taxable payroll.

Edwards says if the fund gets to the point where it needs to borrow money from the feds, that borrowing is available interest free, but a mechanism has to be set up to pay it back.

Cut 11 (09) “…and their payroll.”

___________________________

A mystery philanthropist makes a 20 million dollar donation to Xavier University, a historically black college in New Orleans. Xavier President Dr. Reynold Verret calls it a historic contribution.

Cut 12 (08) “…received.” 

The Associated Press suggests the donation may have been made by MacKenzie Scott, the recently divorced former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Verret says representatives of the anonymous donor requested that the funds be used to create a tuition endowment.

Cut 13 (10) “…ability” 

Verret says the donor understands the importance of institutions like Xavier and the role they play in helping to bridge the nation’s achievement gap.

Cut 14 (06) “…country”

Four businesses have seen their bar permits suspended after failing multiple compliance checks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The 600-dollar a week federal unemployment benefits are coming to an end Friday. Matt Doyle spoke with the Louisiana Workforce Commission about what that means for those without a job…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The Department of Revenue is still accepting applications from frontline workers to receive $250 Hazard Paychecks. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington  

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Republicans introduced their opening offer for the next round of COVID economic stimulus, a trillion-dollar plan that reduces federal enhanced unemployment and issues another stimulus check.

Federal unemployment beneficiaries have been receiving 600 dollars a week, under the GOP plan that number would drop to 200-bucks. Senator Bill Cassidy says that number would be revisited soon.

Cut 4 (05)_ “…after that”

House Democrats back the three trillion dollar HEROES Act, which  would extend the current 600 dollars a week benefits through the end of the year.

Cassidy says in the Senate GOP proposal the business aid is more targeted this time, with specific language aimed at helping out struggling sit-down restaurants.

Cut 5 (10)  “…resturants.”

Cassidy says the GOP offer also includes new funding for testing, COVID research, and school safety.

Cut 6 (10) “…governors”

The stimulus check would be another 1,200 dollar offer that would be administered based on the same guidelines as the first stimulus check.

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Louisiana is ranked number one in per capita COVID-19 cases.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it has been clear the state’s trajectory in new COVID cases was going to land the state the distinction if things didn’t improve.

Cut 7 (07) “…this pandemic is.”

Edwards says there are metrics that are showing a move toward flattening the curve again.  Tuesday’s numbers showed a daily percentage of positive tests to be below 7 percent.  The additional restrictions of mask mandates and bar closures have been in place for about two weeks.  Edwards says it is never easy putting restrictions on any business.

Cut 8 (12) “…the economy open.”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has conducted over 5,000 compliance checks on businesses since the beginning of Phase Two and most usually come into compliance after one visit.

Cut 9 (09) “…is actually complying.”

Browning says despite the multiple chances to come into compliance, four business have had bar permits suspended including Sand Dollar Tiki Bar in Grand Isle, Frosty Factory in Lake Charles, Pelican Pub in Gonzales, and Wo-de’s Chill Spot in Harvey.

Cut 10 (12) “…those four licenses.”

Hearings are scheduled for August 5 and 6 which could result in a suspension period of up to 30 days.

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The last 600-dollar weekly enhanced unemployment benefits are being sent out Friday, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission is encouraging those set to miss out to apply for a new job on the LWC website. Secretary Ava Dejoie says there’s something for everyone right now.

Cut 11 (10) “…living.”

Congress is currently debating whether to renew the benefits. Republicans are seeking to reduce it to 200 dollars a week, Democrats want to extend the 600 for the rest of the year. Governor Edwards has requested the Congressional Delegation back a full extension.

Dejoie says you may be unemployed now but this could be an opportunity to advance your career.

Cut 12 (09) “…salary.”

Unless the feds renew the enhanced benefits people receiving state unemployment will be capped at 247 dollars a week, and those receiving PUA assistance will be capped at 107 dollars a week.

Dejoie recommends putting in your application now before everyone else on unemployment starts applying as well.

Cut 13 (07) “…company.” 

Those looking for a job should visit laworks.net

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The Louisiana Department of Revenue is busy reviewing applications and prepping to send out the first $250 frontline worker checks this week. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue Kimberly Robinson says if you are eligible you should still apply.

Cut 14 (12) “…made available.”

A variety of workers are eligible, for example, grocery clerks, garbage collectors, and healthcare workers, people who worked during the stay at home order and make less than $50-thousand a year.

Robinson says the first round of checks is being processed.

Cut 15 (07) “…coming days.” 

As of Tuesday, the department says they’ve received approximately 205-thousand applications for the Hazard Pay Rebate.

Robinson says if you did not receive a receipt of your application contact the department.

Cut 16 (11) “…an email.” 

Funds are being distributed on a come first serve basis and applications are being accepted until October 31^st. For more info go to https://frontlineworkers.la.gov/.

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Extended wait times for COVID-19 testing results become the latest hiccup in the state’s fight against the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The American Federation of Teachers says “safety strikes” are on the table is more is not done to ensure teacher and student safety before schools reopen. Matt Doyle spoke with the Louisiana Branch…

cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff deputies have charged two teens with the murder of a 53-year-old Lake Charles man found lying in the road last week. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they believe a 16-year-old used a stolen gun to shoot Anthony Bennett

Cut 3 (10)  “…car burglary”  

A 16-year-old and a 13-year-old have been charged in Bennet’s murder which happened at around 11:00 last Thursday night. Mancuso says this is an example on why parents need to be involved in teenagers lives

Cut 4 (10)_ “tolerating this”

Mancuso says the whole country is seeing these types of incidents, children committing violent crimes. The sheriff says there are parents who need to take back control of their kids

Cut 5 (10)  “…discpline.”

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In an effort to stop runaway youth COVID transmission, the governor’s office releases a PSA featuring half a dozen young people describing the serious symptoms they had as a result of COVID-19.

Cut 6 (12) “…taste.”

Eighteen to 29-year-olds have the highest number of infections of any age group recorded by the Louisiana Health at 24-thousand, six thousand higher than the next highest age group.

Those in the video discussed some of the misconceptions about how youth are allegedly “unaffected” by the virus.

Cut 7 (12) “…spread it”

The recent wave of cases has been driven by community spread amongst young adults, compared to the first wave which had a much higher percentage of cases coming from congregate settings of older people.

The PSA ends with the young folks imploring their friends to mask up.

Cut 8 (12) “…down”

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Louisiana’s COVID-19 testing has hit another hurdle with the turnaround time on getting results.  Early in the pandemic, there was a lack of nasal swabs to conduct tests, but now Assistant Health Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says some labs are struggling with the supply chain for the reagents needed to get results.

Cut 9 (10) “…shorter turnaround times.”

Billioux says the timeliness in getting a result makes the difference in being useful data in stopping the spread and just adding numbers to the stats.

Cut 10 (08) “…probably not useful.”

Billioux says the strain put onto the state’s testing capabilities could soon have an impact on who is eligible to be swabbed at community testing sites.

Cut 11 (11) “and drive-up sites.”
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The American Federation of Teachers threatens to back “safety strikes” in certain areas of the country if more is not done to assure the safety of teachers and students when fall classes resume.

Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says in hotspots across Louisiana union members are having active conversations about potentially staging safety strikes.

Cut 12 (09) “…schools.” 

The AFT earlier this month adopted a resolution backing the reopening of schools only in areas where the positivity rate for tests was under five percent. Over the past few weeks, the rate has hovered around ten percent but has recently dropped under eight percent.

Two weeks ago when we spoke with Carter he said safety strikes were not being considered, but Carter says since then the situation has deteriorated.

Cut 13 (10) “…community” 

Carter says any such strikes would be an option of last resort, but so far they’re not convinced many schools are safe to open next month, and not happy about the lack of progress being made to do so.

Cut 14 (10) “…safe.”

The demands are for more funding for PPE, guarantees that teaching spaces will allow for adequate social distancing, and for more strict protocols should an outbreak occur at a school.